Ezekiel Elliott, who last year led the NFL in rushing and helped a revived Dallas Cowboys go from worst to first in their division, has been suspended six games for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

The former Ohio State star has been the subject of a league investigation into multiple off-the-field incidents, including domestic violence accusations by a Tiffany Thompson, a former girlfriend.

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In a statement, the league said investigators interviewed more than a dozen witnesses, consulted with medical experts and examined photographic and digital evidence.

Four external advisers were consulted, and in a letter to Elliott, the league said they "were of the view that there is substantial and persuasive evidence supporting a finding that [Elliott] engaged in physical violence against Ms. Thompson on multiple occasions during the week of July 16, 2016."

Thompson has accused Elliott of other assaults, among a growing list of off-the-field trouble for the running back. Last year, he was was seen in a legal marijuana shop during the preseason in Seattle -- using marijuana is against the league's illegal substance policy. He was also caught on video pulling down a woman’s shirt during a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dallas this past spring and was involved in a bar fight in Dallas a week before training camp.

Elliott has three days to appeal the ruling. If he serves the suspension, he would make his regular season debut Oct. 29 against the Redskins. He remains eligible to play in all preseason practices and games until Sept. 2.

Elliott ran for 1,631 years and 15 touchdowns in his rookie season, culminating with a first-team All-Pro selection.

The NFL has cracked down on domestic violence allegations in recent years, and a 2014 revision of its personal conduct policy gives Commissioner Roger Goodell the ability to suspend players with or without a conviction.

A letter written by Todd Jones, the NFL's special counsel for conduct, also gave a further warning to Elliott.

"You must have no further adverse involvement with law enforcement, and must not commit any additional violations of league policies," Jones wrote. "In that respect, you should understand that another violation of this nature may result in your suspension or potential banishment from the NFL."